2026/11/06
Recently, Director General Jason Ma, joined by colleagues from TECO-LA’s Science and Technology Division and Education Division, specially invited Dr. James C. Liao—who recently concluded his ten-year tenure as President of Academia Sinica—alongside Academia Sinica Academicians and Taiwanese scholars across diverse fields in the Greater Los Angeles area to gather together. A warm and insightful atmosphere of intergenerational academic exchange filled our office.
Academicians of Academia Sinica represent the pinnacle of Taiwan’s academic community. During the gathering, DG Ma expressed his deepest respect and gratitude to these esteemed senior scholars for their lifelong contributions to science and the humanities, as well as their selfless dedication to mentoring younger generations and strengthening Taiwan’s research foundation.
Having taught at UCLA for nearly two decades prior to leading Academia Sinica, former President Liao cleverly drew an analogy to the ten-year voyage in the film The Odyssey to vividly reflect on his decade shouldering the heavy responsibilities of leading Academia Sinica, sharing insights into Taiwan’s challenges and breakthroughs in fundamental research, international collaboration, and higher education reform.
For our office, the most precious meaning of this gathering was having the privilege to witness different generations of Taiwanese scholars in Southern California building face-to-face bridges. Throughout the event, distinguished senior academicians enthusiastically exchanged research insights and life experiences with mid-career and early-career scholars working hard on their academic paths. Through the passing down of experience and interdisciplinary dialogue, we believe the younger scholars gained invaluable inspiration, hopefully planting wonderful seeds for future research collaborations.
We extend our heartfelt thanks once again to former President Liao, our esteemed Academicians, and all the participating scholars for joining us. TECO-LA remains committed to serving and connecting our community, supporting overseas Taiwanese scholars in uplifting one another and deepening exchanges so that Taiwan’s academic vitality continues to shine on the global stage.
